OVERVIEW NASA operates three WB-57F Canberra aircraft for high-altitude research and development missions. Recognizing an opportunity to greatly increase the utility of these aircraft, NASA contracted ATA Engineering to provide support for a gross weight increase program. Rather than perform a time-intensive complete recertification effort involving detailed stress analysis of the entire airframe, ATA developed a series of flight envelope restrictions to allow the aircraft to be operated at increased weights without exceeding the original design loads of the aircraft. These aircraft now operate at gross weights up to 14% higher than the previous limits, allowing for numerous combinations of increased payloads, longer loiter times, and longer ranges. TASKS PERFORMED & KEY OUTCOMES h

Join for free to read